7.
Durazo and Anderson are WSA Volunteers of the Year
The Western States Affiliate 2012 Volunteers of the Year are Ray Durazo and Jeffrey L. Anderson, M.D., who are honored for distinguished commitment to the mission of the American Heart Association during the year and over time.

8.
Young professionals engaging peers in AHA mission
A wave of energetic volunteers is evolving among young professionals dedicated to engaging their peers in the American Heart Association?s lifesaving mission. Their efforts have attracted elite participants to recent high-profile events in California and Arizona.

9.
My Heart. My Life.
The American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative helps people understand what it means to be healthy and empowers them to take action. Recent events in Alaska ? the Anchorage Heart Run and Fairbanks Heart Walk ? are among this initiative?s many activities bringing communities together across the Western States Affiliate to advance the fight against heart diseases and stroke.

11.
AHA honors Mary Caldwell and Hank Wasiak
Two exceptional volunteers from the Western States Affiliate have received national recognition for their many years of service to the American Heart Association (AHA). Mary Caldwell, R.N., M.B.A., Ph.D., FAHA, is the Healthcare Volunteer of the Year Award and Hank Wasiak was presented with the prestigious Gold Heart Award.

12.
Funding applications hit an all-time high
Research is the foundation of our lifesaving mission and the volume of applications continues to increase each year -- hitting an all-time high in FY 2012-13. According to Brian Black, Ph.D., Chair of the Western States Affiliate Research Committee, pictured at left, we received a total of 454 applicants in the spring cycle, up 19 percent over the fall. The committee approved 76 new awards totaling nearly $8 million.

13.
Chef Anthony Vidal promotes healthy eating
The connection between healthy eating and better living is personal for Chef Anthony Vidal of Las Vegas, NV. He has Type 2 diabetes and a family history of heart-related illnesses. This father of three is taking steps to assure his family will not soon experience the heart-breaking loss of another loved one. Diabetes claimed the lives of both his mother and aunt over the past two years.

14.
Chef Phillip Dell shares cooking insights
Sharing the amazing possibilities for a healthy, tasty diet with those who want to eat better is Chef Phillip Dell?s goal in life. He is an award winning chef who has won top honors at the American Heart Association?s Flavors of the Heart food festival in Las Vegas, NV. He is also a competitive natural bodybuilder and three-time world champion power lifter who shifted to a healthier lifestyle by losing 92 pounds and keeping it off for years.

15.
Judy Coffey, R.N.-- What the American Heart Association means to me
My life-long commitment to supporting the mission and vision of the American Heart Association (AHA) stems from both personal and professional reasons. Professionally, I have worked in health care for more than three decades and I have seen first-hand the effect the AHA has had in reducing the incidence of heart attack and stroke. Personally, I have survived the loss of a daughter who was born with three different heart defects.

16.
Dr. Robb MacLellan leads UW cardiovascular research team
American Heart Association (AHA) research volunteer Robb A. MacLellan, M.D., is pioneering the next generation in cardiovascular regenerative medicine. He pursues new therapies for damaged hearts at the University of Washington (UW) where he is Professor of Medicine, Head of the Division of Cardiology and the Robert A. Bruce Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Research.

17.
Family history inspires Heart Walk dedication
Azziem Hassan Underwood?s commitment to the American Heart Association took on added meaning this summer. As he was gearing up for a second year as a Team Captain for the Puget Sound Heart and Stroke Walk, his identical twin brother Azzad suffered a massive heart attack.

18.
Promatoras promote blood pressure control
Western States Affiliate Health Equity volunteers have trained a new wave of health mentors in recent weeks who are working to improve heart health in their communities. Known as Promatoras, they help their families and friends control high blood pressure and reduce risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

19.
Researchers and donors connect at local receptions
A series of Research Receptions is providing researchers the opportunity to share their work with donors whose generous gifts are advancing our mission. Five receptions have been held to date with attendees gaining insights into cardiovascular science and meeting face-to-face with researchers funded by the American Heart Association.
The Southern Arizona Research Reception in Tucson was highlighted by a check presentation representing the $1.5 million dollars in research funded by the American Heart Association over the past few years at the University of Arizona. Local board member Robert Poston, M.D., was instrumental in planning the event.

22.
Las Vegas Lifestyle Change Award Nomination
The American Heart Association wants to recognize individuals who have made positive changes to improve their quality of life and health. No change is too small, and every accomplishment is significant! Nominations for the Lifestyle Change Award can be submitted by friends, co-workers or relatives and individuals can nominate themselves.

23.
What to Wear When You Walk
The American Heart Association offers these tips to make sure you?ve got what you need to wear to keep you walking all year long.

Nationwide, we invest over $132 million a year ($3.2 billion since 1949) in heart and stroke research that has led to recent breakthroughs such as clot-busting drugs and drug-eluting stents. Healthcare providers learn about medical advances and new treatment guidelines though our journals, conferences and online courses.